Allergies occur when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and then overreacts to it. The symptoms that occur after that are known as an allergic reaction, and the substances that cause the reaction are known as allergens. Allergens can get into your body in many different ways to cause an allergic reaction and your body may show many different types of symptoms.

Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to very intense. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:

• Itchy and Watery Eyes
• Itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Runny Nose
• Rashes
• Hives
• Stomach Cramps
• Vomiting or Diarrhea
• Swelling
• Redness
• Swollen Tongue
• Cough
• Throat Closing
• Wheezing
• Tightness of Breath
• Feeling Faint

A more intense allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care. It usually happens fast and may possibly cause death. Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually involve more than one part of the body, such as the skin, mouth, lungs, the heart and the gut. 

Different triggers will cause different types of symptoms. For example, hay fever usually consists of sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, a runny and stuffy nose, and water, red, or swollen eyes, while a food allergy can cause mouth tingling, swollen lips, tongue, face, or throat, hives, and anaphylaxis. 

When To See Your Doctor

If you are experiencing one or more of any of these minor symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible, and if any of your symptoms are life-threatening, as they can be, make sure to seek immediate medical care and learn about allergy treatments from your doctor.